Difference between revisions of "Ghyll:Bute University"
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| − | The bastion of | + | The bastion of academic excellence known as Bute University is soon to celebrate its four hundredth anniversary. In its time it has seen wars, of all shapes, sizes, reasons, it has seen famine, it has once been besieged by a King and it has even been at the centre at some of the most politically interesting events in Ghyll history. How Bute began can explain its influence today. |
'''The Beginning''' | '''The Beginning''' | ||
| − | Bute began life as an experiment in | + | Bute began life as an experiment in tolerance. During the reign of [[King Harandraff the Great]] times were very different and scholarly pursuits were frowned upon. There was only one true history and that history was literally the Kings Story. A group of freethinkers, Teachers, landed nobility and their respected hangers on decided something had to change. It is arguable that this group of like minded people not only began the university (which they did) but were the forerunners of the [[Amphitheatre aristocracy]]. |
| − | Soon after beginning its life Bute managed to anger the King by releasing a view of history that made Harandraff's family less than perfect. However, it can be said that this version of history made his family seem more real, that they had achieved | + | Soon after beginning its life Bute managed to anger the King by releasing a view of history that made Harandraff's family less than perfect. However, it can be said that this version of history made his family seem more real, that they had achieved a lot through adversity. However, the King decreed that his family "Always were here, Always will be here". Which was unfortunate considering events to come. |
| − | The King raised an army and marched on to Bute. At this time Bute was a small collection of buildings in the market town of the same name. However, that town being a site of economic and strategic interest | + | The King raised an army and marched on to Bute. At this time Bute was a small collection of buildings in the market town of the same name. However, that town being a site of economic and strategic interest merited a wall and some considerable defenses, most brought by the nobility that supported the ideals that Bute was standing up for (it is said this was mainly a version of history that made their families look more important). |
The siege began. It lasted only six months before breaking as the Kingdom now found itself in a Civil War. This war lasted seven long years resulting in the total extermination of all remaining family members of the King and descendants. There would now never be any more of that noble if somewhat closed minded line. | The siege began. It lasted only six months before breaking as the Kingdom now found itself in a Civil War. This war lasted seven long years resulting in the total extermination of all remaining family members of the King and descendants. There would now never be any more of that noble if somewhat closed minded line. | ||
| − | Bute being | + | Bute being recognized as the place where everything began therefore had a hand in the administration that followed. Bute and its collection of Masters, Mistresses, Deans and Chancellors has never been able to keep out of politics ever since. |
'''The Campus Today''' | '''The Campus Today''' | ||
| − | Bute has a large campus comprising three lakes, a forest and what can only be described as blasted moorland. The buildings are mostly around 200 years of age dating from its bicentennial, however the new science buildings have only recently been completed, the | + | Bute has a large campus comprising three lakes, a forest and what can only be described as blasted moorland. The buildings are mostly around 200 years of age dating from its bicentennial, however the new science buildings have only recently been completed, the Chancellor having decided that a major building project should be undertaken for "....every 200 years of fine academic achievement". |
| − | The modern campus has been a hotbed of interesting events. There have been some famous people walking these halls, the most famous being [[Bysted Timperton]], who served for five years has the | + | The modern campus has been a hotbed of interesting events. There have been some famous people walking these halls, the most famous being [[Bysted Timperton]], who served for five years has the Chancellor, the most prestigious position the university has to offer. His leadership can only be described as opportunistic. Though a fine scholar his book purchases and governorship showed a man who was willing to challenge today’s status quo. Also it was under the Chancellorship of Bysted Timperton that the house system was reorganized. There would be 5 teams competing over 23 events in the academic year. This has now become tradition. However his choice of houses and the number of events is telling. |
| − | Once of the most interesting features of the Bute campus is the famous [[Timperton Clocktower]], this was built in the second year his | + | Once of the most interesting features of the Bute campus is the famous [[Timperton Clocktower]], this was built in the second year his Chancellorship and it became something of an obsession. During the final nights of construction it is said that the Chancellor spent almost every waking hour inside. Strange lights and the sounds of "...chanting like monks" could be heard within. |
Revision as of 11:22, 15 September 2004
The bastion of academic excellence known as Bute University is soon to celebrate its four hundredth anniversary. In its time it has seen wars, of all shapes, sizes, reasons, it has seen famine, it has once been besieged by a King and it has even been at the centre at some of the most politically interesting events in Ghyll history. How Bute began can explain its influence today.
The Beginning
Bute began life as an experiment in tolerance. During the reign of King Harandraff the Great times were very different and scholarly pursuits were frowned upon. There was only one true history and that history was literally the Kings Story. A group of freethinkers, Teachers, landed nobility and their respected hangers on decided something had to change. It is arguable that this group of like minded people not only began the university (which they did) but were the forerunners of the Amphitheatre aristocracy.
Soon after beginning its life Bute managed to anger the King by releasing a view of history that made Harandraff's family less than perfect. However, it can be said that this version of history made his family seem more real, that they had achieved a lot through adversity. However, the King decreed that his family "Always were here, Always will be here". Which was unfortunate considering events to come.
The King raised an army and marched on to Bute. At this time Bute was a small collection of buildings in the market town of the same name. However, that town being a site of economic and strategic interest merited a wall and some considerable defenses, most brought by the nobility that supported the ideals that Bute was standing up for (it is said this was mainly a version of history that made their families look more important).
The siege began. It lasted only six months before breaking as the Kingdom now found itself in a Civil War. This war lasted seven long years resulting in the total extermination of all remaining family members of the King and descendants. There would now never be any more of that noble if somewhat closed minded line.
Bute being recognized as the place where everything began therefore had a hand in the administration that followed. Bute and its collection of Masters, Mistresses, Deans and Chancellors has never been able to keep out of politics ever since.
The Campus Today
Bute has a large campus comprising three lakes, a forest and what can only be described as blasted moorland. The buildings are mostly around 200 years of age dating from its bicentennial, however the new science buildings have only recently been completed, the Chancellor having decided that a major building project should be undertaken for "....every 200 years of fine academic achievement".
The modern campus has been a hotbed of interesting events. There have been some famous people walking these halls, the most famous being Bysted Timperton, who served for five years has the Chancellor, the most prestigious position the university has to offer. His leadership can only be described as opportunistic. Though a fine scholar his book purchases and governorship showed a man who was willing to challenge today’s status quo. Also it was under the Chancellorship of Bysted Timperton that the house system was reorganized. There would be 5 teams competing over 23 events in the academic year. This has now become tradition. However his choice of houses and the number of events is telling.
Once of the most interesting features of the Bute campus is the famous Timperton Clocktower, this was built in the second year his Chancellorship and it became something of an obsession. During the final nights of construction it is said that the Chancellor spent almost every waking hour inside. Strange lights and the sounds of "...chanting like monks" could be heard within.
